Center for International Studies

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education is part of our efforts to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences in the United States

Rotaract brings together people ages 18-30 in universities and communities worldwide to organize service activities, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun. Sponsored by Rotary clubs, Rotaract members manage and fund their clubs independently. Rotaract members work closely with their local Rotary club, and may join after their Rotaract membership ends.

Dr. Minsun Doh will focus on the global code of ethics for tourism by UNWTO (UN World Tourism Organization) in both consumers’ and industry perspectives. She will discuss how ethical travel behavior can nurture personal growth and recent industry efforts in corporate social responsibility.

4:00 - 5:00 pm: German Coffee Hour – Morgan 303

When it comes to practicing and improving your German, the most effective way is to get together with speakers and learners of German and chat in German. Come by and enjoy free coffee and cookies!

Turn your ideas about taking students abroad into a reality. Learn about selecting a destination, time and course, get examples of instructional models, find out about the FLGI designation, and discover the steps to proposing a Study Abroad Course.

Drop in and participate in a discussion about war and peace. This is a great chance to meet new people, learn about many different cultures of the world, and share information about your culture with others. Free coffee and cookies!

Want more information on study abroad programs available in over 50 countries? Want to learn about how some programs may be CHEAPER than studying on campus? Come by and learn about the study abroad process, eligibility requirements, scholarships, available programs and more!

Wednesday, November 12

10:00 am -1:00 pm: Peace Corps Table – University Union Concourse

Come learn about the Peace Corps Program and the new Peace Corps Prep Program!

3:00 - 4:00 pm: French Conversation Hour- Morgan 328

Stop by and practice your French and learn more about la Francophonie. All levels welcome!

Based on 260 surveys and 47in-depth interviews conducted in Beardstown and Monmouth, IL, this presentation explores the extent to which immigrants feel accepted by Anglo Americans. In addition, Dr. Julia Albarracin will review different experiences of discrimination immigrants faced at workplaces, stores, schools, interactions with the police, health care providers and the general population.

Thursday, November 13

12:00 pm: Education Around the World Panel Presentation - Horrabin 1

Come learn about some of the similarities and differences among education systems around the world.

3:30 pm: Bitter Seeds Documentary – Sandburg Theater

This film focuses on an Indian village at the center of the suicide epidemic where a farmer and his family struggle to keep his land and a teenage girl makes her first steps to become a journalist and tell the world about the crisis. Bitter Seeds raises questions about the human cost of genetically-modified agriculture and the future of how we grow things. Cosponsored by the Center for International Studies and the Department of Health Sciences and Social Work.

Sign up to compete in this year's World Cup Tournament! Games will be played using Intramural Indoor Soccer rules (6 vs.6). Teams will consist of a minimum of four players and a maximum of eight players. Teams may be co-ed, all male or all female; there will not be separate brackets for this tournament. Prizes for first place! Registration of $5 per person is due November 12th by 4:30 pm to the Campus Recreation Office. Teams of 6-8. All proceeds will go to helping residents in Kibera, one of the largest slums in Africa.

Phi Beta Delta is holding its third annual scholarship dinner which will include a silent auction of international items from various countries, entertainment and authentic Asian cuisine. Tickets are available at Citizens Bank or the Center for International Studies (Memorial Hall 347). Non-students are $20 and students are $15 if purchased in advance, $25 and $20 at the door. All profits go to the International Scholarship Fund.

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers paid fellowships abroad for one academic year to graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, scientists and artists. These are prestigious awards and Western is honored to have had several past recipients. Program participants pursue graduate or professional study, advanced research, or English teaching in elementary and secondary schools or universities. This is a great opportunity for students who have excelled in academics, leadership activities, and intercultural initiatives. If you are interested in a Fulbright grant, you should come to this meeting even if your graduation is a few years away.

4:00 -5:00 pm: German Coffee Hour – Morgan 303

When it comes to practicing and improving your German, the most effective way is to get together with speakers and learners of German and chat in German. Come by and enjoy free coffee and cookies!

Human trafficking - modern slavery - is a multi-billion dollar industry both outside the U.S. and in Western Illinois. What is it? Who's at risk? And how can we try to make modern slavery, history? Cosponsored by Western Against Slavery, the Department of History, the Women’s Center, the Feminist Action Alliance and the Center for International Studies.

Interactive Q&A session to learn about returned student experiences from semester, summer, and faculty-led programs. This event is open to all members of the campus community and is sponsored by WASA Western's Ambassadors for Study Abroad.

5:00 pm: Paella Demonstration - Newman Center

Come learn how to make paella, Spain’s most famous dish!

Wednesday, November 19

3:00 -4:00 pm: French Conversation Hour- Morgan 328

Stop by and practice your French and learn more about la Francophonie. All levels welcome!

Come talk with returned study abroad students and learn more about study abroad opportunities! Get information about the overall study abroad process, programs in over 50 countries, scholarships and more!

Afghanistan, a country that the United States has poured millions into but few have a real understanding of the history with the United States. Visit with Professor Jordan Schneider from St Ambrose University as she recounts her time in Herat as the first private American female professor working in Afghanistan without the benefit of security or as part of a contractor or government team. Come with questions. Cosponsored by the Center for International Studies, the Visiting Lecture Committee and the Council on Student Activities Funds.

Come see WIU students give a presentation on their home country and sample authentic Iraqi cuisine.

4:00 – 5:00 pm: Spanish Tertulias – Casa Latina Lounge

Come practice your Spanish conversation skills! "Tertulias" are very informal and you can stay as long as you like. Spanish students from all levels are welcome. Don't miss the opportunity to improve your Spanish